What's the Dirt on Soil?

What's the Dirt on Soil?

From Science Trek: The Podcast by Idaho Public Television

July 1, 2025 · 8 min

About this episode

This episode explores the importance of soil as a critical natural resource and ecosystem.

Soil, at first glance, may not be your favorite topic. But maybe it should be. Soil is a critical natural resource that provides for our environment in so many ways. Soil is a complete ecosystem of its own. Soil is food for some creatures and home to many others. Soil helps to clean our water, recycles nutrients, provides a place for plants to grow, and provides gases to our atmosphere. Soil impacts our weather and provides materials for human industry and construction. So, what is soil ‐ exactly? With the help of soil scientists Carla Rebernak and Dr. David Huber, we can dig in and find out! Kids have lots of questions about science. Hosts Evie and Garrett are here to help. On episodes of the Science Trek Podcast, scientists answer elementary-age students' questions on a variety of science topics. The podcasts pair perfectly with the website, ScienceTrek.org, where kids, parents and educators can find videos, facts, games, teacher resources, lesson plans, 360° immersive videos and more! Science Trek is produced by Idaho Public Television, a trusted source for children's educational content.

People in this episode

Hosts: Evie, Garrett

Guests: Carla Rebernak, Dr. David Huber

Topics covered

  • soil
  • ecosystem
  • environment
  • science education
  • natural resources

Keywords

  • soil
  • ecosystem
  • environment
  • nutrients
  • plants
  • water
  • science

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Idaho Public Television, ScienceTrek.org

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